2.5gal Batches

[ca_baracus]

After reading this thread (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=142648) I want to try a 2.5 gal BIAB batch due to limited funds for new equipment. My questions are:

1. Do you just half a 5gal recipe?

2. Is a whole vial of yeast too much?

3. Any headspace issues with fermenting in a 6.5 bucket?

Thanks!

 

[Weezy]

1. Yes

2. Too much? No. More than you need? Yes.

3. As long as the yeast strain you got develops a nice krausen and you dont fuss with it, it'll be fine. Open fermentatuon is not a crime.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[ca_baracus]

Thanks, Weezy!

 

[Revvy]

1) Yes

2) Depends on the beer, even with small batches it depends on the gravity of the beer... you still should use a pitch rate calculator to know for sure... some 5 gallon batches might call for the equivalent of 2.5 vials of yeast so in that case a half batch would STILL require more than 1 tube worth and you'd need to make a starter.

3) Personally I'm not a fan of larger than 2-ish gallons of headspace in my primaries if possible. For me the lesser the headspace the better, and there are plenty of options for small batch brewers to brew 2.5 gallons in.... 3 gallon better bottles, the old Mr Beer Keg (which I use all the time for small batches) 3 gallon water jugs, any food grade 3 - 4 gallon frosting buckets, ... Anything you can slap an airlock on will work.

I don't think I've even put a 2.5 gallon batch in a full sized primary. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I just personally wouldn't risk it... and usually have 2-3 things around I do feel safe using. I even have a 4 gallon plastic food grade "cookie jar" I guess it is meant to be, with a twist on lid, that I punched a hole in and stuck a grommet and airlock on. I bought it to make rice wine with.

But YMMV...just giving you another perspective.



3)

 

[C-Rider]

After reading this thread (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=142648) I want to try a 2.5 gal BIAB batch due to limited funds for new equipment. My questions are:

3. Any headspace issues with fermenting in a 6.5 bucket?

Thanks!

HD has 2 gallon white buckets and covers which is what I use for 2 gallon batchs which produce 3 six packs.

 

[ca_baracus]

Appreciate the feedback, Revvy. I'll take a look around to see if I can fashion something smaller for fermentation.

 

[ca_baracus]

Thanks, C-Rider. Need to go there anyway to pick up paint strainer bags!

 

[chickypad]

If you can't find the right size buckets at home depot you might try your local bakery or donut shop. I scored a couple 4 gal buckets that way when I started doing smaller batches, and the lids from regular 6.5 gal buckets fit (got them free, they had tons - frosting and filling come in those). I use 3 gal better bottles now because I like the racking valve, but they are not cheap.

 

[Brewsncrabs]

Restaurant supply stores have all kind of food grade plastic storage containers and most have lids with gaskets. Just pop a hole in the lid and put a gasket in it for an airlock.

 

[Braufessor]

I know you said limited funds is part of your motivation for smaller batches..... But, in regard to fermenters, keep your eyes open for used Corny Kegs..... there is really very few things better for fermenting a 3-4 gallon batch than a 5 gallon Corny Keg. Sometimes you can even find them for $25 or .... if you are really lucky, little or nothing.
These let you ferment in stainless, closed transfers, enough head space, bend the dip tube up to leave trub/yeast behind, use CO2 To transfer or even bottle with .... They can be a great solution if you can find them for reasonable prices.

One place that sometimes has some killer deals on used kegs (especially if you go with Pin Lock Kegs) is Adventures in Homebrewing. I have seen them sell pin locks for $25-$30 with free shipping on a couple occasions. They have 3 and 5 gallon used pin lock kegs. Craigslist and similar sites are also places to keep your eye open for great deals from time to time.
http://www.homebrewing.org/Home-Brew-Kegs_c_223.html

 

[ca_baracus]

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. It seems like I have a lot of options! Cheers.